Amp pairing with Tannoy Turnberry?


Hi all!

Going to be picking up a pair of Tannoy Turnberry speakers in the near future, and was looking at some various options for integrated amplifiers. There are a couple on my radar and was wondering if anyone who owns the speakers has any insight. 

1. Primaluna EVO 300 or 400 - torn on whether the extra $ warrants going for the 400 over the 300. I had a Primaluna + Tannoy pairing some years ago and loved it, so immediately thought of this one.

2. NAT audio single HPS v2 - this is at the very top end of what I could consider budget wise. I have heard this amp, but not with the tannoys. It sounds incredible to me, but I'm not sure if it would play nice with the Turnberry speakers and don't have the ability to test one at home. 

From what I've hard of the NAT, I'm thinking it may be the better option, but maybe there is a better solid state in the price range I'm looking at. Ideally, I'd like to stay in the 5-6k range, but willing to stretch a little bit more for something I will be happy with for the forseeable future. 

Thanks for any insight.

128x128mmcgill829

Showing 9 responses by charles1dad

@miesdavis 

That's one serious looking amplifier and I suspect very well executed. I have no doubts that your Tannoys truly sing driven by this amplifier.

Charles

@ianderson

To the OP mmcgill, if you like the purity of SET, and your down the the two choices only, I think the GM70 in the NAT audio single HPS v2 has got the minimum current and can drive the Tannoy to sing well, and will really sound sweet. As usual it about personal preference, synergy, and your room. You need to find what works best for you.

Good comments and suggestions. That NAT has enough quality power I believe for these Tannoys. And, the OP has heard this NAT with Tannoys and found this pairing sounds "incredible". I can see where the Atma-sphere M60s would be a very good option, no doubt. I also agree that an 8 watt 300b SET would not be the best choice with these speakers. 

Charles

@jond 
I have had the pleasure to hear Tron Audio amplifiers on a number of occasions and they’re excellent across the board. You must have heard their Atlantis 300b. I’ve not heard that but have heard their 211 based amplifier. Very high quality components.

Charles

 

There’s no shortage of very good amplifier choices as the numerous posts confirm.  One significant factor for @mmcgill829 is he has actually heard the NAT amplifier driving the Tannoy speakers. This is a major factor as it eliminates much speculative talk. 
For sure he’s fortunate to have lots of fine options. Could they be “incredible “ as his listening encounter with Tannoy and NAT? Maybe, maybe not.

Charles

@mmcgill829

I’m just not sure that a solid state will give me what I am looking for, at this price point at least

I understand. Your budget range allows many fine options new or used.More than one path to an excellent amplifier for your Tannoys.

It’s just my deep suspicion (Gut feeling) that the NAT is uniquely special and you found it incredible sounding for a reason.

Charles

@mmcgill829

The additional details shared are really enlightening/insightful. I have to say that based on your music preferences, prior system /components experiences and room size, the NAT Single HPS is a superb option for you. It will bring your jazz recordings to life and provide much emotional involvement. I believe that this pairing will deeply connect you with your music listening. This is my humble opinion.

Best wishes,

Charles

@lalitk 

I can see the GM 70 NAT amplifier being a more suitable choice compared to a 300b SET. 50 watts class A versus 8 watts certainly provides greater margin and reserves. The OP hasn’t listed his room size, usual listening levels or music genres listened to. I recognize that we are engaging in open forum speculation and “what ifs”. But it’s fun.😊

Charles

@lalitk

What I find very interesting about Tannoy speakers are the wide range of amplifiers used by their owners. From 300b SET to 300 watt solid state or class D. They all seem quite satisfied with their respective choices. Of course numerous variables will influence one’s preference.

That is why I said with regard to the OP, what type of sound is he seeking? I also know that even with the same speaker sensitivity, they all aren’t equally driven due to other factors. My speakers are 94db and just sing with 8 watt SET (Preferred over my 100watt PP tube amplifier). However, circumstances do vary among listeners.

The NAT Audio amplifiers have a reputation for exceptionally good power supply design and their own hand wired transformers. For my taste it’d be the NAT Single HPS. No doubt others would make different choices. Which is attested to by the diversity of amplifiers used among Tannoy owners. Many good options.

Charles

@mmcgill829

NAT audio single HPS v2 - this is at the very top end of what I could consider budget wise. I have heard this amp, but not with the tannoys. It sounds incredible to me

It is good that you’ve actually heard this amplifier. I do not doubt that it sounds “incredible “ based upon its design and execution. NAT Audio tends to fly under the radar but their products consistently receive very positive feedback and praise.

It appears to me that it’d be a terrific match for your Tannoy speakers. This amplifier offers a switch for either 50 watts or 30 watts pure class A power. I’m gung ho and say go for it. You might very well enjoy a solid-state amplifier. I doubt if you will find one that sounds like this GM 70 SET. It all depends on what sonic characteristics you are seeking.

Charles